Stellar Energy, a large-scale solar energy project developer and systems integrator, based in Rohnert Park, California is proud to announce the completion of a 296 kilowatt (kW) solar project that provides solar energy to ASC Profiles Inc. - a manufacturer of steel roof, wall, and deck building products.

“The limited roof space available at ASC made this an ideal situation to design a system with Baja’s solar support structures”

The new 296 kW solar energy system consists of five individual solar photovoltaic arrays. Four are elevated carport structures, and one is a roof-mounted array. The total array area is 22,133 square feet and features 1,056 Eoplly 280 watt solar modules and one Solectria SGI 266 kilowattinverter, which produces enough electricity to power approximately 70% of ASC’s predicted energy consumption.

ASC Profiles’ primary goal was to reduce the operational costs of their manufacturing plant in West Sacramento, California, where the company is headquartered. In addition to lowering their electrical bill, ASC Profiles wanted to showcase one of their key customers, Baja Construction Inc. ASC Profiles produces the steel used in Baja’s Solar Support Systems, which are designed to support solar panels for solar carports and shade structures.

After considering all possible financial options, ASC Profiles chose a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Energy Finance Company’s FUSE Fund LP, which provided the capital required to build the system. Stellar Energy provided all engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) services and was responsible for managing the entire project on time and on budget.

“Combining Stellar Energy’s experience with a Power Purchase Agreement with Energy Finance Company was the right choice for us,” said Eric Bartlett, Project Manager at ASC Profiles. “We’ve basically gained all the benefits of solar power without the expense of building or responsibility of maintaining the system for 20 years.”

Under the terms of the agreement, Energy Finance Company will own, operate, and maintain the system, with ASC Profiles purchasing the solar generated electricity at a predictable rate lower than that offered by the local utility. By going solar, ASC expects to save approximately $1,250,000 over the next 20 years.